Latest plans unveiled in Preston’s Guild Hall redevelopment

A cocktail and wine bar could replace Preston’s former Visitor Information Centre if plans are given the go-ahead.

Review Bar is set to become the latest addition to the Guild Hall redevelopment, with an application lodged to remodel existing units to create an “exciting new destination venue” in Preston.

Review would add a dynamic and vibrant offering at the front of the Guild Hall with the hope of providing a real destination wine & cocktail bar within the city centre.

Plans have been lodged with Preston Council to convert the former VIC and a neighbouring shop into the new bar, hoped to help “reignite” the area.

Entrepreneur Simon Rigby, the owner of the Guild Hall, said: “We see having a nice wine and cocktail bar at the front of the Guild Hall as being a key part of attracting people into all sorts of eateries which we have in there.

“We are hoping to have live music and jazz in the back of Review bar.”

He said work was hoped to start on the bar as soon as possible, subject to planning permission, and described the designs as “the whole nine yards”.

A design and access statement lodged by Frank Whittle Partnership said the inside of Review aimed to provide a “dynamic and theatrical space”, with a round feature bar.

It said: “The proposed new Review Bar is the latest part of the overall redevelopment of Preston Guild Hall with the overall intention of turning the venue into a busy cultural and social hub with an excellent variety of food and drink on offer.

“Review would add a dynamic and vibrant offering at the front of the Guild Hall with the hope of providing a real destination wine & cocktail bar within the city centre.”

The plans for Review are the latest to be lodged with Preston Council to redevelop the Guild Hall.

Mr Rigby had previously submitted plans for a children’s nursery and a dance studio within the arcade, to transform empty units into the new facilities.

He said his plans included crèche services and an outdoor play area, and said the dance studio would be a “fantastic use of space”.

He said if plans were approved by Preston Council a new nursery, Safehands, would be housed in the Guild Hall.